After just one season away from the team, the San Francisco 49ers are signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a one-year deal to rejoin the team.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Greenlaw will return to the team that drafted him for the 2026 season on a contract worth $7.5 million. The Denver Broncos released Greenlaw on Wednesday, and a return to San Francisco was a logical fit for both sides.
Greenlaw has battled injuries throughout his career. Last offseason, Greenlaw signed a three-year, $35 million deal with the Broncos. However, he missed several games due to multiple injuries and a one-game suspension, leading to his release this offseason.
For the Broncos, Greenlaw made 43 tackles in eight games. He also had one sack, one interception, two pass deflections and a forced fumble.
A former fifth-round pick, Greenlaw quickly became a fan favorite with the 49ers because of his physical play and partnership with star linebacker Fred Warner. The team tried to keep him last offseason, but he opted for a change of scenery instead.
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The 49ers nearly ran out of linebackers during their postseason run. Warner was sidelined with an ankle injury and Dee Winters was battling injuries in the midst of a breakout season. Greenlaw, 28, will have to compete with the younger Winters this offseason and prove that he can stay healthy.
The team also spent a third-round pick on linebacker Nick Martin in last year’s draft, and he could be in line for an increased role as well. Add in the fact that edge rusher Bryce Huff surprisingly retired from the NFL moments after Greenlaw signed with the 49ers, and there are suddenly some open roles on San Francisco’s defense that the linebackers could take advantage of.
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